Captain Picks

Van Persie: Last season’s Fantasy star is the pick of the crop for Gameweek 4. After his glorious hattrick he scored for Holland against Turkey with another header from a corner. He was subbed off against Hungary at half-time, although Van Gaal claims it was only “for precautionary measures”. Manchester United should score at home agains Wigan but keep your eye out for news about Van Persie’s injury, just in case Ferguson decides to rest him.

Cazorla: Arsenal’s playmaker has a home game against Southampton to weave his magic. Wenger has found his new talisman and he should pick up his fair share of goals and assists, with the attacking play channelling through him.

Valencia: The safest pick of the United wingers, with Kagawa having a bad day against Southampton, Young being injured, and Nani supposedly out of favor. I still think Nani is a good pick should he play, but if you are buying a United midfielder, Valencia is your choice. He whipped in seven crosses against Southampton and created three chances. With United’s quality upfront, these kinds of number will result in assists.

Big Hitters

Podolski qualities were on display against Liverpool last Gameweek. His speed, directness, and short passing all contributed to his goal, with big help from Cazorla. Podolski has been vocal about his admiration for Cazorla’s abilities, claiming they play well together and that Arsenal’s game plan fits his “style of football”.

Stoke City are tough to beat at home, which is why Tevez isn’t a captain’s choice. He is still likely to score but his ceiling isn’t as high as Arsenal and Manchester United players this Gameweek. Stoke should not be letting in more than a couple of goals at home, even against last season’s champions.

Everyone, and their aunt, are snapping up Hazard. He leads transfers in during the international break with almost 160.000 managers picking him up. He certainly looks the part, but I’m still a bit hesitant after only three games. Torres is Di Matteo’s main striker and I like his chances against the leaky QPR defence. Mark Hughes will make QPR tougher to beat as the season progresses, but Chelsea is probably too big of a bite too early.

Adebayor should be in line for a start. Despite playing away, both him and Bale will get chances and Villas-Boas will be hoping that Adebayor can tie together Tottenham’s attacking play. I think it’s too early to give up on Tottenham, playing their next two games against Reading this Gameweek and then QPR away which, on paper, are great for Tottenham attackers.

Clean Sheets

Arsenal is the obvious choice. The meanest defence so far, perhaps thanks to Steve Bould’s influence. Jenkinson is the cheapest defender, but will be benched when Sagna returns (expected at the end of the month). If you are looking for a long term buy, Gibbs is safe pick at £5.5.

Martin O’Neill’s teams are set up to not concede. Liverpool’s attacking play has been toothless. Hence, Sunderland at home is a good choice for a clean sheet. Cuellar is a starter for £4.5, and a great value pick.

Despite their early season defensive woes, I think Manchester United’s defence is bound to get meaner as Vidic picks up more games. Rafael is given licence to attack, and has already scored this season.

Punts

Giroud’s chances of scoring will not get better than at home against Southampton, who have conceded eight goals in three games. He’ll get chances.

Berbatov will be Fulham’s main attacker, whether he plays furthest forward or in the hole in Martin Jol’s favored 4-4-1-1 setup. Despite his limited game time at Manchester United last season (521 minutes), he had a respectable total of seven goals. Fulham’s game will channel through him and I like him as the third striker. In fact, I was so excited about the possibilities of a cheap elite striker that I got him in for Defoe. Here’s to a home debut hattrick.

If you need an alternative Hazard, think of Lampard, recommended by commenter Stooshermadness. Chelsea’s forgotten man, in Fantasy terms, is still a scoring for both club and country and is on penalty duties. He hasn’s scored under 10 goals in a season for the last six seasons and should chip in with his fair share.

It’s too early to give up on Silva, last season’s outstanding midfielder. Six goals and 17 assists didn’t happen by chance, and he looked sharp against QPR. He created the highest number of chances on the field, four in total, and registered two shots. Look for him to up his game as the season progresses.

Comments

Good stuff Gummi. I don’t trust a word out of SAF’s mouth and I suspect we won’t hear the truth about RvP or Kagawa or any of the defenders. I am going to hedge on the armband and go with Cazorla. I like your Valencia shout too.
Big Hitters – any love for Everton at home against NWC’s depleted defense ? Jelovic might be worth a thought if the Hazard/RvP fever ever cools. I also like your Adebayor and Berbatov shouts. I’ve got RvP, but an Adebayor/Jelavic/Berbatov front line is a worthy punt.
Clean Sheets – Liverpool fan but . . . . Cuellar is in my side this week – have to agree with you.

Actually, Everton players at home are great shouts. I think I let my past troubles with Everton players at the start of the season get to me. I’ve had Everton players at the start of every season, except this one. Go figure.

I would also be hesitant giving RvP the armband this week. One thing I didn’t write in the the preview is the possibility of Ferguson keeping RvP on the bench, in case United need a goal. If United are winning comfortably, and RvP is on the bench, Ferguson would probably chuck him in for the last 10 minutes or so.

I think Cazorla is the best bet this week if you have him. I have none of my captain picks this week so I have to improvise. I’m thinking of going with Torres or gambling with either Rafael or Nani.